Sharks, AHL raise All-Star banner in DCU Center

The Worcester Sharks and the American Hockey League raised a 2009 AHL All-Star Classic banner during a special ceremony before the Sharks hosted the Portland Pirates at the DCU Center on Saturday night.

The commemorative banner represents Worcester’s selection to host the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic next winter at the DCU Center.

American Hockey League president and CEO David Andrews and Sharks president Michael T. Lehr were joined for the ceremony by Worcester city manager Michael O’Brien, DCU Center general manager Sandy Dunn, and Sharks Booster Club president Rich Lundin.

The Worcester Sharks were unanimously selected by the AHL Board of Governors to host the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic, and were formally awarded the event at a press conference at Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester on Dec. 5. The 2009 event will be the 15th AHL All-Star Classic since it was reintroduced in 1995.

The 2009 AHL All-Star Classic in Worcester will take place in early 2009. The two-day Classic will feature the AHL All-Star Skills Competition and the AHL All-Star Game at the DCU Center, as well as the Hockey Hall of Fame AHL All-Star Classic Luncheon, the AHL Hall of Fame induction ceremony, social events, community visits and other festivities.